Local brewery London Brewing has been around since 2014. Since then, they have supported London Pride and recently started a weekly karaoke event for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
“It’s grown into something exciting and really well attended and just such a great addition to the community,” says worker-owner Emma Maganja.
Maganja says the event has been going on for over a year and has received widespread support from the community. When asked if they have received any backlash from running weekly queer karaoke, Maganja said they were lucky to have not had any problems so far.
“We make it very clear as a company and venue that those types of events belong here, and they’re more than welcome here, and if you don’t agree with it, then you’re free to go somewhere else.”
They will be at this month’s pride parade, hosting the beer gardens for the event, something they have been doing since 2022 as official partners of London Pride. They will also have special 2SLGBTQIA+-themed trivia rounds on Thursday.
“We will be marching in the parade and then heading down to the park on Sunday to open the beer garden in time for everybody to get there and celebrate.”
They also support other communities, such as hosting an event for the African community and hosting a Brazilian food popup with live music. Maganja says that while London is more accepting than it was in the past, there is still tons of work required to provide a safe and equitable place for everyone.
“Craft brewing has traditionally just been a lot of straight white dudes with big beards, but it’s really for everybody.”
